Holiday Work Christmas Parties

The holidays always bring a whirlwind of activity, and this year our calendar was packed with festive fun thanks to our work Christmas parties!

First up was one of our family’s favorite traditions—ConocoPhillips’ annual Houston Symphony holiday concert. After missing it last year while Brad and I were off adventuring in Europe, we were so happy to be back in Jones Hall soaking in the beautiful music again. Unfortunately, Tanner had to miss it this year since it fell on his best friend’s birthday party. Still, the rest of us loved every minute of the concert and the holiday spirit it brought.

Next was Brad’s Health and Safety department party, and it was so fun! It was the first one in years that we both were able to attend, and they really went all out. The theme? A murder mystery masquerade—complete with mandatory costumes, actors weaving a story throughout the night, and even a few brave coworkers stepping into character roles. It was super fun and theatrical, right up my alley (though not exactly Brad’s cup of tea, ha!). It was definitely one of the most unique holiday parties we’ve ever been to.

Then came my work party, I did have to miss Carson’s Christmas orchestra concert this year, which was a bummer. Thankfully Brad stepped in and recorded the songs for me, so I still got to see my musician in action, even if it was from the screen. We started the evening with a lovely dinner, but the real fun began afterward when we all headed over to a coworker’s house for our annual White Elephant gift exchange. I love this part—people bring the most ridiculous, hilarious gifts, and some have even become running jokes that reappear year after year. It’s such a great way to end the night, full of laughs and good company.

All in all, it was a joyful, memory-making kind of holiday season filled with music, laughter, and a little mystery!